Est. 2026 · 2 US Cities
National Burger Price Index
Avg across 10 cities · Jun 22, 2026
27-Week Trend
Weekly Showdown
ShackBurger
“The ShackBurger at Shake Shack stands out as the 'Burger of the Week' due to its exceptional value proposition. For a modest $7.49, it delivers a consistently high-quality, well-executed burger that punches well above its price tier, offering a superior taste and texture profile compared to many higher-priced competitors in the San Francisco market. This makes it a strategic pick for both the discerning palate and the budget-conscious consumer.”
Dick's Deluxe
“For a true Seattle classic and unparalleled value, the Dick's Deluxe stands out. At a price point that defies inflation and offers consistent quality, this burger is a blue-chip stock in the fast-food market, delivering reliable returns of deliciousness without breaking the bank.”
10 cities tracked · Updated weekly
27-week OHLC · body = BPI movement · wicks = price spread
Week of June 22, 2026
Breaking
The Burger Price Index (BPI) exhibited significant divergence this week, with a national average of $15.70 reflecting a complex interplay of supply chain pressures and regional demand fluctuations. Chicago, IL, has emerged as a surprising hotbed of inflationary activity, posting a staggering 20.4% surge to $16.79. This meteoric rise may be attributed to a confluence of factors, including a localized beef shortage exacerbated by a popular competitive eating event, or simply a sudden, inexplicable craving for premium patties in the Windy City. Meanwhile, Los Angeles, CA, the perennial bargain bin of burger prices at $13.12, experienced a sharp 9.8% decline. This could signal an oversupply of avocado toast derivatives, forcing burger joints to slash prices to attract foot traffic, or perhaps a strategic pivot towards value-driven menu options as consumer discretionary spending tightens.
New York, NY, continues its reign as the most expensive market at $21.01, though it saw a modest 4.4% dip, suggesting even the most affluent palates are becoming price-sensitive. Conversely, Nashville, TN, is sizzling, with a 9.1% increase to $15.50, potentially driven by a robust tourism season and a growing appetite for its signature hot chicken-inspired burger creations. The overall market remains sensitive to input costs, with lean beef futures showing minor upward pressure, though this has been largely offset by aggressive discounting in certain West Coast markets.
Slight upward pressure on lean beef futures is putting a floor under burger costs nationally.
Unforeseen demand surges, particularly in Chicago, are driving localized price inflation, suggesting potential supply chain bottlenecks or sudden trend shifts.
Aggressive price reductions in markets like Los Angeles indicate heightened competition and potentially weaker consumer sentiment, pressuring average prices downward.
Stories impacting burger prices this week
Shake Shack Inc. announced robust quarterly sales figures, signaling continued consumer appetite for premium fast-casual burgers. However, executives cited persistent inflation in beef and dairy prices as a drag on operating margins, a trend mirrored across the broader industry and contributing to the elevated Burger Price Index.
A peculiar algae bloom in a key sourcing region for plant-based protein has created an unforeseen bottleneck for Burger King's popular Impossible Whopper. While the impact on overall beef burger prices is minimal, this quirky supply disruption highlights the complex and sometimes bizarre factors influencing menu availability and costs across the fast-food landscape.
Wholesale beef prices are experiencing a sharp uptick, driven by forecasts of intensifying drought conditions across key cattle-ranching regions in the Midwest. Analysts at the CME Group suggest this supply squeeze, coupled with robust demand from major fast-food chains like McDonald's and Wendy's, could add significant pressure to the Burger Price Index in the coming weeks.
The recent implementation of a higher minimum wage for fast-food workers in California is already being felt, with operators in Los Angeles and San Francisco reporting increased labor costs. This regulatory shift is expected to further widen the gap in the Burger Price Index between these coastal hubs and more moderate-wage states, potentially impacting franchise profitability.
As temperatures rise and outdoor gatherings become more frequent, consumer spending on burgers and related dining experiences is surging. The Burger Price Index shows a noticeable uptick in cities like Nashville and Austin, aligning with historical seasonal patterns driven by backyard barbecues and increased patronage of quick-service restaurants.
Top 3 cheapest vs. most expensive burgers this week
In-N-Out Burger
Los Angeles, CA
McDonald's
Boston, MA
Burger King
Chicago, IL
Minetta Tavern
New York, NY
The Butcher's Table
Seattle, WA
Craigie on Main
Boston, MA
How many burgers can minimum wage buy per hour?
Los Angeles, CA
Min wage: $17.87/hr
burgers/hr
Seattle, WA
Min wage: $21.30/hr
burgers/hr
Portland, OR
Min wage: $15.45/hr
burgers/hr
San Francisco, CA
Min wage: $16.99/hr
burgers/hr
Chicago, IL
Min wage: $16.60/hr
burgers/hr
Boston, MA
Min wage: $15.00/hr
burgers/hr
New York, NY
Min wage: $17.00/hr
burgers/hr
New Orleans, LA
Min wage: $7.25/hr
burgers/hr
Austin, TX
Min wage: $7.25/hr
burgers/hr
Nashville, TN
Min wage: $7.25/hr
burgers/hr
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